Where to sleep cheaply in Bali
| Area | Atmosphere | Prices seen (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Kuta | The old backpacker hub, near the airport, noisy and lively | Among the lowest prices on the island according to Hostelworld |
| Canggu | Surf, cafés, remote work; dearer because in high demand | Dorm of 8 beds or more: about $10 to 14 in low season, $15 to 20 in high season; private room about $28 to 40, then $40 to 60 |
| Ubud | Calm, rice fields, yoga; smaller hostels | Dorms from $4 according to one list; one named hostel from $12 a night (dorm or room) |
| Uluwatu | Surf and cliffs; few cheap beds | No reliable dorm price found; one well-known hostel offers a pool and sauna |
How to choose
- Dorm or private room: the dorm is cheapest; for two people or for better sleep, compare with the private room (about 20 to 60 dollars depending on the area and season, indicative).
- Check air conditioning, sockets and bed curtains: in Bali, heat and noise matter more than decor.
- Location: without a scooter, sleep near what you want to do; see scooter rental in Bali and Grab and Gojek in Bali.
- Recent reviews: read those of the last 3 months, hostels change quickly.
- Alternatives: a small guesthouse or a Balinese homestay can be as cheap as a city dorm; compare on the same map.
Budget and safety
For the cost of the rest of the trip, see travel budget for Bali. Keep your passport and money in a locker with a key (bring your padlock) and check that you have insurance; see travel insurance for Bali. To compare all areas, see where to stay in Bali, where to stay in Canggu, where to stay in Ubud and where to stay in Uluwatu.
FAQ
How much does a hostel cost in Bali? From about 3 to 4 dollars a dorm bed in the cheapest areas, 10 to 20 dollars in Canggu depending on the season, and about 20 dollars for a private room (indicative).
What is the best area for a hostel? Canggu for the atmosphere, Ubud for calm, Kuta for price.
Should I book in advance? In high season, yes, especially in Canggu and Uluwatu.
Dorm or private room? The dorm is cheapest; a private room costs about 20 to 60 dollars depending on the area and season (indicative).
